Stravinsky Ballets -- No one doubts that Igor Stravinsky’s collaboration with the Ballets Russes early last century set the standards for most of the innovations in dance as an art form. Stravinsky made his fame with "The Firebird" in 1910 and nearly ruined the company with his "scandalous" "Le Sacre du printemps" (Rite of Spring) in 1913.

Up to now, videos of "Rite" either did not exist or were out of print, but I did catch a PBS special that included a complete recreation of the original Nijinsky choreography, costumes and setting. It was gorgeous but never was issued as a video. At long last, BelAir Classics has issued a DVD not only of the original staging of "Rite" but also that of "Firebird" with the Fokine choreography -- and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

The two were performed as a double bill at the Marinksy Theatre in 2008 and conducted by Valery Gergiev. My only slightly negative comments are these. Ilya Kuznetsov chooses or is directed to play the character of Ivan in "Firebird" with a smug look that makes him quite unsympathetic. In "Rite," Alexandra Iosifidi as the Chosen One shows no fear at all after she realizes she is the one to be sacrificed; although her knees are trembling (as is called for by the choreography), her face remains impassive. Also the Busby-Berkeley-style overhead shots are poorly handled and an annoyance.

Putting all this quibbling aside, the chance to see at last the original settings for

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"Rite of Spring" is enough to recommend this disc to a wide audience.

The original choreography for "Firebird" was recreated by Isabelle Fokine and Andris Liepa; for "Rite" by Millicent Hodson. The two ballets’ running time is 85 minutes, that of a bonus interview 38 minutes. The picture is in 16:9 widescreen and there are subtitles for the interview.

Barbara Cook -- Two words I really hate in titles are "ultimate" and "essential." Exactly what is essential in "The Essential Barbara Cook Collection," a boxed set from DRG Records, remains a copywriter’s mystery. However, it is clear that Cook is one of the more popular female pop singers today; and that any collection of her work will be very enjoyable.

Five of the discs are CDs. "Live from London" holds 16 tracks of what she sang at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 1994. "Barbara Cook at the Met" has 22 tracks, two of which have another singer to accompany her. "All I Ask of You" does not ask much, with only 12 selections. The (to me) most interesting CD is "Close as Pages in a Book," which features songs with lyrics by Dorothy Fields ("I can’t give you anything but love," "I’m in the mood for love," "The way you look tonight") on 13 tracks. There is also "Give Me the Simple Life" with only four songs as a "bonus sample of a forthcoming album."

A sixth disc is a DVD titled "Mostly Sondheim." Here are 19 tracks of songs and commentaries performed before an audience at a master class, followed by an interview. The running time is a generous 110 minutes. And yes, Marian the Librarian has put on a bit of weight as the years have passed.

I found the program notes less than useful as they use white print on a light brown background. When will art departments realize the poor job they are doing?

So may all Barbara Cook fans take note. This DRG set just might be essential for them.

Los Romeros -- What the RCA Red Seal CD titled "Los Romeros: Celebration" celebrates is the group’s 50th anniversary of ensemble guitar playing. The program does so with 10 selections, some familiar, some that will be a first hearing for most listeners.

J.S. Bach is represented by his "Jesu, joy of man’s desire" and Pachelbel by a gigue and the inevitable "Canon." Other composers are Tomas Breton, Francisco Tarrega, Heitor Villa Lobos, Joaquin Rodrigo, Sebastian de Iradier and Rev. Francisco de Madina. The remaining pieces were composed by Pepe and Celedonio Romero.

I find it strange that I have little tolerance for programs of solo guitar but really enjoy guitar ensembles. Therefore I can honestly recommend this CD for any lover of beautiful music expertly played.

Frank Behrens reports on classical and Broadway music as well as recordings of books and plays for the Arts & Entertainment section.